HHS Recommends Regulating Synthetic Kratom Derivatives 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Friday added its recommendations to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) move to schedule synthetic kratom extracts, putting its support behind the push to regulate the substances colloquially called “gas station opioid.” In July, the DEA announced plans to temporarily schedule a psychoactive compound derived from kratom called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and other related compounds as Schedule I, placing it in a category indicating no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. (Choi, 10/9)

You're Invited: Election Impact - What the Midterm Results Could Mean for Health Care 10/26

Date & Time

• Monday, October 26, 2026
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Register Now!

After a consequential session of Congress over the past two years that generated the most substantial changes to American health care since the Affordable Care Act, all 435 seats in the House and 35 seats in the Senate are at stake and will be decided on November 3. Heading into November with unified Republican control in Washington, the incumbent GOP is the historical underdog as the midterm election draws near. Control of Congress will dictate the final two years of the second Trump presidency and Administration. Will Congress remain under Republican control, will Democrats gain new power and what should health care stakeholders expect as a result?

In a new webinar, Manatt Health will examine how the midterm elections may shape health care policies and priorities. During a roundtable discussion, the panel will consider how the results in November may inform policies on:

• Reforms to Medicare provider reimbursement;
• Program integrity across health care programs;
• H.R. 1 implementation, particularly as it impacts Medicaid and Marketplace enrollees;
• “Most-favored-nation” drug pricing policies;
• The use of artificial intelligence in the delivery of health care;
• Vaccine policies and funding; and
• The structure of and funding for agencies administering federal health care programs.

Please click here to register.

Panel:

• Patti Boozang, Senior Managing Director, Manatt Health, Moderator
• Ellen Montz, Managing Director, Manatt Health
• Allison Orris, Partner, Manatt Health
• Michael Kolber, Partner, Manatt Health
• Kendall Hussey, Senior Advisor, Manatt Health
• Jared Augenstein, Senior Managing Director, Manatt Health

Winter Education and Training Opportunities at PGNO

The Gambling Disorder Stages Training Series includes three expert-led courses on Ohio’s gambling service support system and treatment strategies.

Completing all three provides the 30 hours needed to become qualified in treating gambling disorder through a Gambling endorsement for those licensed through the OCDP Board, or adding it to a clinician's scope of competency for those licensed through the CSWMFT board. Please note: Stage I is required before taking Stage II and III.

For this cycle, the dates are as follows: 

Stage I: Gambling, Problem Gambling, and Ohio's Service System

November 11-13 from 10:00am-3:00pm

Highlights:

• Problem gambling definitions, statistics, and current trends

• Risks, warning signs, and at-risk populations

• Co-morbidities with substance use and mental illness

• Screening tools and available support resources

To register visit PGNOhio.org/EVENT-DETAIL/925

Stage II: Applications and Approaches in Treating Problem Gambling Disorder

December 2-4 from 10:00am-3:00pm 

Highlights: 

• Treatment Planning

• Treatment Delivery

• Best practice models of care

To register visit: PGNOhio.org/EVENT-DETAIL/930

Stage III: Introduction to the Roles of Family and Finances in Treating Gambling Disorder

January 7-9 from 9:00am-12:15pm 

Highlights: 

• Financial Management

• Impact of family members on recovery

• Collaborative exercises utilizing breakout rooms and practical activities

To register visit: PGNOhio.org/EVENT-DETAIL/935

For more information on the Stages Training Series and becoming qualified to treat gambling disorder, please visit: PGNOhio.org/STAGES.

The Ohio Council Welcomes New Member Provider and Two Affiliate Members

New Provider Member - Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative 

1. Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative in Xenia, OH. Rachel Huffman, CEO can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (937) 272-4925 . Emerge Recovery and Trades Initiative provides SUD & MH Outpatient Services (PHP, Day Tx, IOP, SOP, SUD, & MH Case Management, SUD & MH Peer Support) in any Ohio County. Click here to learn more about Emerge Recovery and Trade Initiative!

New Affiliate Members - Ohio Behavioral Health Consulting Services & Billing Care Solutions LLC

1. Ohio Behavioral Health Consulting Services in Bowling Green, OH. Katie Wieber, CEO can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (419) 341-4362. Ohio Behavioral Health Consulting Services provides clinical and compliance support for outpatient behavioral health agencies. CARF and OBH support and accreditation including policy revision and development. Revenue cycle and Electronic Media Records workflow support. 
2. Billing Care Solutions LLC in Sheridan, WY. Zanjeel Malik, Managing Director can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (302) 244-0434. Billing Care Solutions LLC is a premier Medical Billing Partner and provider of end-to-end medical billing and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) services, helping healthcare organizations across the United States optimize financial performance and reduce administrative burdens. Established with a mission to bring transparency, compliance, and efficiency to healthcare finance, we serve a diverse clientele ranging from independent practitioners to large medical facilities. Click here to learn more about Billing Care Solutions LLC!